Site: Garryhinch Forest, Portarlington, Co.Laois
Managed by: Coillte
Website: Garryhinch Forest
Description: Garryhinch property falls within the Barrow SAC (Special Area of Conservation). All of Garryhinch property is designated as high value conservation forest, due to its SAC designation and an old woodland status (forest cover since the 1830s). 32 ha of Garryhinch have been designated as important biodiversity habitat, and have been surveyed and a management plan prescribed by an ecologist. There is an interesting small stand of hornbeam (non-native species) derived from natural regeneration which is very rare in Ireland. Individual trees of Field maple (native) and hornbeam occur naturally in parts of the area. Red squirrel, badgers, foxes, fallow deer are all present in the forest. Kingfishers can be seen along the river.
Best time to visit: Any time of year although the in early May the forest is one of the best places in Laois or Offaly to enjoy the "Dawn Chorus". The spring blooms of Ramson (Wild Garlic) and Bluebells is an unmissable seasonal highlight. A winter walk in the woods is a must, its a great time to spot the local deer population or enjoy the beauty of the swollen river Barrow.
Access/Facilities: There is a large car park off the R423 between the towns of Mountmellick and Portarlington. Its free and open all year round. There is a map/interpretation panel and picnic benches close to the car park.
Managed by: Coillte
Website: Garryhinch Forest
Description: Garryhinch property falls within the Barrow SAC (Special Area of Conservation). All of Garryhinch property is designated as high value conservation forest, due to its SAC designation and an old woodland status (forest cover since the 1830s). 32 ha of Garryhinch have been designated as important biodiversity habitat, and have been surveyed and a management plan prescribed by an ecologist. There is an interesting small stand of hornbeam (non-native species) derived from natural regeneration which is very rare in Ireland. Individual trees of Field maple (native) and hornbeam occur naturally in parts of the area. Red squirrel, badgers, foxes, fallow deer are all present in the forest. Kingfishers can be seen along the river.
Best time to visit: Any time of year although the in early May the forest is one of the best places in Laois or Offaly to enjoy the "Dawn Chorus". The spring blooms of Ramson (Wild Garlic) and Bluebells is an unmissable seasonal highlight. A winter walk in the woods is a must, its a great time to spot the local deer population or enjoy the beauty of the swollen river Barrow.
Access/Facilities: There is a large car park off the R423 between the towns of Mountmellick and Portarlington. Its free and open all year round. There is a map/interpretation panel and picnic benches close to the car park.